Mount Elgon National Park in UgandaAll you need to Know about Mt Elgon in Uganda and its attractionsMount Elgon Park is found on Mt Elgon mountain rages in eastern Uganda. Elgon is a 4,321m high extinct volcano which in prehistoric times stood taller than Kilimanjaro does today.
Although the mountain straddles the Kenya border, its loftiest peak, Wagagai, lies within Uganda and is best ascended from the Uganda side. Mount Elgon Park is an important watershed, and its slopes support a rich variety of altitudinal vegetation zones ranging from montane forest to high open moorland studded with the other-worldly giant lobelia and groundsel plants like this one down here. Climbing the peak requires no special equipment or technical climbing experience unlike the Rwenzori mountain in western Uganda.
It is possible to summit the mountain in as little as three days, but a slightly longer visit will permit a more thorough exploration of all that Mt Elgon has to offer. They can circle the rim of the caldera or climb down to the crater floor to see the Suam Gorge and the hot springs. Wondering what to do in Mt.Elgon national park?Click here to know more on Elgon Park activities Read about the best accommodation in and around mount Elgon National Park SIPI FALLS The magnificent Sipi Falls are located en-route to the Forest Exploration Centre and Kapkwata.
SIPI FALLS Warning: In the trading centre at Sipi falls there are several young boys (14/15 year olds) that offer their services as guides of mount Elgon Park. Visitors to Sipi should refrain from utilising their services as they are blatant thugs with the sole intent of robbing you of your possessions. Keep them at arms length and if you want a guide take one that is recommended from your choice of accommodation below who manage their own guides. Your climb should be organized from the Mount Elgon Park Headquarters in Mbale, Plot 19-21, Masaba Rd., House #84. There are trailheads at Budadiri and at Kapnarkut where park fees and trekking can also be organised.Mbale is 4 hours from Kampala via Tororo.Kampala - Mbale via Jinja and Tirinyi Rd - 256km 3 hours.Mbale - Budadiri - 30km 1 hour (road can be muddy and slippery in wet conditions). Mbale - Sipi Falls - 66km 1 1/2 hours. Sipi Falls - Kapkwata - 45km 1 1/2 hours Matutus to Sipi Trading Centre depart from the clock tower taxi park in Mbale. The road has been completely tarred up to The Sipi Falls. The road is steep in places however a pleasure to drive.This route prior to the tar was a 6 hour hell journey after any rain.Budadiri is accessible by public transport. Matatus for Budadiri also depart from the Clock Tower taxi park in mabale. Those with their own vehicles can be sure of finding safe parking in Budadiri or at Sipi Falls at a price obviously. Use public transport to get to the trail head at Kapkwata. Porters and guides will be found c/o the sub headquarters in Budadiri or Kapnarkut.
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